As part of the practical training programme, a group of 27 students from the Department of Clinical and Community Nutrition (DCLN) and Food Science and Nutrition (FSCN) conducted an educational field visit to the ICDS Centre at Peer Mohalla, Soura. The visit aimed to evaluate the health, nutrition, and welfare services being delivered under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme.

Using a structured assessment tool, students examined various components of the centre, including supplementary nutrition programmes, growth monitoring, immunization services, health check-ups, referral services, sanitation facilities, drinking water availability, and overall accessibility of services. The team also interacted with beneficiaries to gather feedback regarding the effectiveness of services and identify areas for improvement.

The students had the opportunity to engage with Anganwadi workers, Ms. Nusrat Jabeen and Ms. Saeeda Jali, along with Ms. Maryam, the helper-cum-cook, who demonstrated the preparation of supplementary nutrition and showcased the protein-rich foods and pulses provided to beneficiaries. The visit included observation of the kitchen, sanitation facilities, cleanliness standards, and nutritional adequacy of menus designed for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

The field visit highlighted the successful implementation of several flagship welfare programmes, including the PMMVY, POSHAN Abhiyaan, POSHAN Pakhwada, POSHAN Vatika, and the Ladli Beti Scheme. Discussions with beneficiaries and staff provided valuable insights into the functioning of the centre, existing challenges, and opportunities for strengthening preschool education services. Overall, the visit offered students practical exposure to community nutrition interventions and reinforced the importance of quality-focused nutritional support in promoting maternal and child health.